New B5 game in the works

[RMcD]

I am child of the Spectrum/Commodore 64 years, if I have to remember what half the keyboard and all the mouse buttons do just to play a game properly, I'll pass thanks.

But even back then it wasn't unheard of.. I can remember owning a complicated flight sim called Project Stealth Fighter on the C64 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-19_Stealth_Fighter that came with a keyboard overlay and made use of just about every button, including all the F keys..

[Garibaldi's Hair]

Tolerate is the right word because, truth is, legally they don't have to. My problem with these issues is that so many people involved in making game mods or even original games won't accept that it even is copyright infringement.

What I really want someone to do is come up with a B5 game that isn't so damn complicated. I've Found Her looks great and plays great but I am child of the Spectrum/Commodore 64 years, if I have to remember what half the keyboard and all the mouse buttons do just to play a game properly, I'll pass thanks.

The first person to come up with a great looking, slick, fast, simple, playable B5 shmup will gain my undying gratitude and respect.

[Capt.Montoya]

Fan Fiction... you hit the nail on the head with that analogy IMO.

A B5 inspired mod to an existing computer game is on par with fan fiction. It uses the visual elements instead of the characters, both use the "fictional universe" description/setting, both are not for profit.

Maybe both are copyright infringement, but for the most part is the type of use of intellectual property that the companies which own the copyright tend to tolerate.

[raw_bean]

Perhaps you should read the copyright infringement info on any of your DVDs. It talks about the FBI investigating and prosecuting. They don't generally worry about civil matters.

Jan

Yes but that's more about profit-making piracy than it is fan-fiction.

[Calen]

Much higher quality ships and graphics then homeworld when released. Its not just a mod, but a full-fledged game. Early pre-alpha graphics now, but those are programmer graphics. The engine is almost complete.

Note the two jumppoints forming in the background.

Looks and sounds pretty interesting, look forward to trying it out. I haven't played and enjoyed a game of this type since Freelancer.

[Cyberkada]

Its done using the Torque TGEA engine (www.garagegames.com), based (loosely) of the Tribes game engine.

Legal Stuff: thats why we are also working with the current licensee of anything B5 game related (B5:RPG and B5:CTA).

It will be a freeware release, and should receive the same WB acceptance as the "I've Found Her" fighter sim, 'The Babylon Project" and the dated, but good Homeworld Mod - all freeware releases.

[Triple F]

What are you using (software wise), looks a bit like the Independence Wars II engine.

[Jan]

Perhaps you should read the copyright infringement info on any of your DVDs. It talks about the FBI investigating and prosecuting. They don't generally worry about civil matters.

Jan

[raw_bean]

According to a blog I read by a copyright lawyer, copyright or trademark infringement does not fall under the definition of 'illegal' as the law profession understands it. The method of prosecution distinguishes between a personal attempt to prove that someone has caused you harm or infringed on your rights, and a case where the state attempting to prove you have engaged in prohibited ('illegal') behaviour, ie. a crime.

I can't find the article at the minute, but I'll post a link if I do.

[Jan]

Sorry to nitpick your nitpick but copyright and trademark infringement is illegal. No ifs, ands or buts about it.

Method or probability of prosecution is another matter.

Jan

[raw_bean]

Just a nitpicky point of terminology: there's very little doubt, actually, that it's perfectly legal. No-one's going to be criminally prosecuted over it, unless the software used to make it was pirated or something like that. What it probably is, is in breach of copyright and violation of trademarks. That means WB could take civil action against it. Although as has been said, every indication is that they probably wouldn't bother, as they haven't with any other freeware games or mods that I've heard of.

[Darth_librarian]

Whilst its actual legality is in doubt, there are a ton of mods and self made games out there for B5 and other IP's that have existed for years, so it is probably safe at the mo.

Good work BTW, did you create your own models ? The engine looks great.

[Carl Sagan]

That looks cool!!

[I love Lyta]

Nice stuff. Let's just hope this doesn't raise any legal issues.
Apart from that I hope to see more or less frequent updates on the progress.

[Cyberkada]

Much higher quality ships and graphics then homeworld when released. Its not just a mod, but a full-fledged game. Early pre-alpha graphics now, but those are programmer graphics. The engine is almost complete.

Here is a first test of the Starfury's thrusters.


and of a Hyperion damaged:


Note the two jumppoints forming in the background.